1st Pavarotti Passion (3yog 59kg) is a R230,000 Pathfork three-year-old gelding, who has had a lot of problems at the pens and was accompanied to this barrier trial by “horse whisperer” Glyn Redgrave. This big, immature horse has a big action and after jumping sideways showed good pace to lead. He was not hard pressed to hold the field at bay.
2nd (0,25 lengths) Cashmere Mist (2yof 56kg) This two-year-old Philanthropist filly is slight, but well balanced and rangy, so has scope. She challenged the leader and finished second but the difference in age group was obvious. She will ultimately need further.
3rd (2,75 lengths) Space Agent (2yoc 57kg). This tall, long-striding two-year-old colt by Mambo In Seattle has plenty of scope. His performances at home have been in and out, so in this trial he pleased trainer Mike Miller by staying on well without being hard-pressed and he was throwing his front toe out nicely.
4th (4,25 lengths) I Fly (2yoc 57kg), a nicely put together two-year-old colt by Stagelight, was a bit keen early so did well to stay on and has a good action.
5th (9,75 lengths) Fat Cat (2yof 56kg), a stocky, short-coupled sprinting type by Curved Ball out of the useful Felix The Cat, showed fair pace after missing the break and was then eased down some way before the line.
6th (11,25 lengths) Velvet Glove (4yof 59kg), a four-year-old filly by Kahal, was outpaced and displayed a climbing (high) action on this first racecourse appearance, so could improve with experience. She covers a bit of ground and was staying on, but was well beaten.
7th (20,25 lengths) Gibbous (2yof 56kg) A nice, big filly but she was completely lost at sea and the yard said she would probably need another barrier trial before going to the races.
8th (30,5 lengths) Peace Train (3yoc 59kg), a three-year-old colt by Toreador, is quite small but stands over a fair amount of ground and was clearly not wound up for this trial. After being pushed along and racing green at the back he finished 30 lengths behind the winner.
